For Sarah Vande Corput, the classroom is place to find a sense of belonging.
The College of Menominee Nation’s 2026 Faculty of the Year honoree has been drawn to ways to connect learners to concepts throughout her career, creating a throughline that led to her being honored by CMN at its May commencement ceremony.
After earning her bachelor of science in communication processes, Vande Corput began her career working in the business sector.
“I started off mainly working with sales, in customer service or billing. I began working in corporate training, educating others and speaking in front of audiences. From there, I switched to working in education in 2007,” said Vande Corput.
Following the completion of a master of arts in education from Silver Lake College, Vande Corput caught the attention of her eventual employer.
“I started teaching at CMN in 2015. A dean recruited me by telling me they thought I would work well with the students,” Vande Corput said.
When I asked her what has kept her at CMN for more than a decade, Vande Corput stated that the school collectively holds values she admires.
“CMN has a unique close-knit environment that is grounded in the culture. There are numerous activities and opportunities to grow. Caring about the students keeps me here, and also, our faculty is a passionate group to be a part of. The staff is supportive, and I feel our administration is leading us in a good way,” she said.
Having since added credentials that include an Indigenous Research Methodology Graduate Certificate from Sitting Bull College and a doctorate in higher education and leadership studies from Edgewood University, she has earned the rank of associate professor at CMN.
Vande Corput’s dissertation is titled “Circle of Courage: Native American Higher Education Student Success Experiences,” and it highlights strengths-based approaches to supporting Native students. Her work stems from her time teaching the school’s foundational course, student success strategies and her research is something she strives to put into practice both at CMN and beyond.
An active participant in the national dialogue on Native American higher education, Vande Corput serves on the American Indian College Fund Faculty Advisory Council and co-leads its First Year Experience and Mentoring Community of Practice. This spring, she was also named the recipient of the 2026 Excellence in Teaching First-Year Seminars Award, becoming the first tribal college faculty member to achieve that recognition.
Listing Vande Corput’s merits for CMN’s annual honor, Dean of Academic Success Lucy Fenzl shared the rationale behind Vande Corput’s latest accolade with those assembled at commencement.
“Through her teaching, scholarship, and service, Dr. Sarah advances student-centered, culturally responsive education while strengthening communities across higher education,” Fenzl said. “As a first-generation college student who earned a doctorate in higher education and leadership studies, she is committed to supporting students as they transition to college and to helping them find their voice and build confidence in academic spaces.”
When I asked Vande Corput for her advice for new faculty and staff, she said, “Learn the intricacies of your job, do it well, and then get involved. Learn about the culture and the students and lead with your heart.”
Vande Corput’s advice to students echoes her own engagement with the school.
“I like to encourage students to get involved and participate in workshops, clubs and activities,” she said. “Know that everyone at CMN is supportive and wants you to succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask for direction or try something new.”
Looking ahead to the fall, Vande Corput said she is most excited about the new students.
“Each class has its own personality,” she said. “Even if it’s a class I’ve taught numerous times, it always has a unique dialogue based upon the experiences and backgrounds of the students enrolled. It’s great to see new students start their educational journey.”
To put it another way, this fall will be another opportunity for CMN’s 2026 Faculty of the Year to encourage new students to find a sense of belonging.
Ryan Winn, Ph.D., teaches communications, English, history and theater at the College of Menominee Nation. Visit www.menominee.edu for more information about the school.
